[1] The position was first created in December 1944 as the Assistant Secretary of State for Public and Cultural Relations.

[2] Initially, incumbents supervised the forerunners of the United States Information Agency and the Voice of America.

[2] Under the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs does not require Senate confirmation.

[2] Historically, the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs had a dual role as the Spokesperson for the State Department.

[3][4] In late 2015, the two roles were once again merged with the appointment of Spokesperson John Kirby as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.